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    Home » Recipes

    Published: Feb 27, 2023

    Easy Baba Ganoush Without Garlic

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Baba Ganoush is the perfect recipe for eggplant. The smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant and the creamy texture make it an amazing dip to serve with pita chips and fresh veggies. It's easy to make with only a handful of simple ingredients.

    Platter with baba ganoush with peppers and pitas.

    While many baba ganoush recipes call for using a food processor, this one does not and it's not necessary. You can still get a creamy texture by just using a fork to mix it all up. You'll also notice that the recipe doesn't call for garlic cloves. Garlic can be a bit overwhelming and you really want the smoky taste.

    What Is Baba Ganoush?

    Baba Ganoush is an appetizer from Lebanon made from roasted eggplant, olive oil, tahini and spices. The traditional way to roast the eggplant is over an open flame. It makes a rich and creamy dip without any dairy. This popular Middle Eastern dip can also be used as a spread.

    Making the Baba Ganoush

    This is a very easy baba ganoush recipe that doesn't even require a food processor. The first step is to preheat the oven to 450°. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

    Baba ganoush ingredients.

    Cup the medium-sized eggplants in half length-wise. Lightly brush each cut side with extra virgin olive oil and place eggplants cut side down on the prepared pan.

    Eggplants cut in half, on a baking sheet.

    Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.

    Close up of roasted eggplant.

    Scoop out the eggplant flesh from the skin with a spoon and place in a mesh strainer over a bowl or measuring cup. Allow the excess liquid to drain for about 5 minutes. Discard the liquid.

    Cooked eggplant straining.

    Place the drained and cooked eggplant in a medium bowl. Use a fork to break up any stringy pieces.

    Cooked eggplant with the rest of the ingredients.

    Add in the remaining ingredients: 2 T. olive oil, sesame tahini, lemon juice, salt and smoked paprika. Stir really well until thoroughly combined.

    Measuring cup with baba ganoush ingredients.

    Allow to cool to room temperature before serving. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top when you are ready to serve. Some people also like to use fresh parsley as a garnish. I love eating this delicious dip with pita wedges and bell pepper slices.

    Store baba ganoush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Baba Ganoush vs. Hummus

    Both baba ganoush and hummus are middle eastern dips so what are the main differences? To start, they have different main ingredients. The main ingredient in baba ganoush is eggplant while it's chickpeas for hummus. But they both also use oil and tahini and often lemon juice.

    As for the taste, baba ganoush has an amazing smoky, earthy flavor. Plain hummus has a bit of a nutty taste but also comes in many flavors. (I love roasted red pepper hummus!) Overall, plain hummus has a more mild flavor than baba ganoush.

    As for nutrition, they are both relatively low in calories and good sources of fiber. Hummus has more protein because of the chickpeas.

    Another difference is the availability. You can find hummus in pretty much any grocery store if you don't feel like making it. On the other hand, baba ganoush is mostly found in restaurants or in your own home if you make it.

    Which is better? That depends what you're looking for. As a dip, I prefer baba ganoush. As a sandwich spread, hummus is the perfect addition. But they are both delicious!

    Bowl of baba ganoush with veggies and pitas.

    FAQ

    Is baba ganoush vegan?

    Yes! There's no dairy or other animal products in baba ganoush.

    Can baba ganoush be spelled a different way?

    Yes, baba ganoush is also known as baba ghanouj and baba ghanoush.

    What is tahini?

    Tahini is simply ground up sesame seeds into a spreadable paste or liquid.

    Is baba ganoush healthy?

    This creamy dip is healthy...as long as you don't put a ton of olive oil in it. This recipe calls for only 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

    Can I make this salt free?

    I wouldn't. For best taste you need to add salt or else is could taste bitter.

    Summary

    This classic baba ganoush recipe makes a very flavorful dip and a perfect appetizer. It's super versatile and can even be used as a sandwich spread. Serve it with fresh veggies and pita wedges at your next party!

    Looking for other vegan recipes that are great to bring to a get together? Check out:

    • Mexican 3 Bean Salad with Corn
    • Easy Vegan Pasta Salad Without Mayo
    • Easy Creamy Vegan Veggie Dip
    Bowl of baba ganoush with veggies and pitas.

    Easy Baba Ganoush Without Garlic

    This smoky and creamy eggplant dip is perfect with fresh veggies and pita bread. It can also be used as a sandwich spread. No food processor is needed for this easy recipe.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Draining Time 5 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 105 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium eggplants
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing and serving if desired
    • ¼ cup tahini
    • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¾ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 450°. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
    • Cup the eggplants in half length-wise. Lightly brush each cut side with olive oil and place cut side down on the prepared pan.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven. Scoop out the eggplant from the skin and place in a mesh strainer over a bowl or measuring cup. Allow the extra liquid to drain for about 5 minutes. Discard the liquid.
    • Place the drained and cooked eggplant in a medium bowl. Use a fork to break up any stringy pieces.
    • Add in the 2 T. olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, salt and smoked paprika. Stir really well until well combined.
    • Allow to cool to room temperature before serving. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top when you are ready to serve. Store baba ganoush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Notes

    • I love eating baba ganoush with cut up pita bread and red, orange, and yellow bell peppers.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 223mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 62IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mandy says

      February 27, 2023 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      I made this today after trying to find a recipe to use up a couple eggplants. It's my first time making baba ganoush and everyone loved it. Thanks for the easy recipe.

      Reply
      • jencardenas says

        February 28, 2023 at 1:47 pm

        So glad you liked it Mandy!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jen! I love all things vegan. I'm a food blogger, recipe developer, and mom of three. My goal is to show how the vegan lifestyle can be easy, delicious and fun.

    You can find out more about my vegan journey by reading Keep Taking Steps to Change for the Better.

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